Labate Responds to TRICARE Cuts for the Military

Taking note of the skyrocketing military health care costs and defense cuts starting in 2013 — Stephen Labate today stood with the most senior leaders in the Veteran community in Suffolk County to advocate on their behalf.

Labate, the Republican candidate seeking to challenge six-term incumbent, Steve Israel, in November of 2012, stated, “At no time have we ever owed a greater debt of gratitude to our Veterans but also at no time have we ever so blatantly turned our back on them”.

 The Obama Administration’s proposed defense budget calls for significant cuts to TRICARE, the military’s healthcare system. Under the proposed budget, healthcare payments made out of pocket by military personnel, will increase by $1.8 billion in fiscal year 2013 and a total of $12.9 billion over the next five years.

 The candidate continued, “I call on all members of the New York delegation to not only condemn these cost increases to TRICARE, but also, the unilateral disarmament of our military. It is when times are tough that you are judged and it’s also when you learn who your friends really are.”

Those in attendance at the War Memorial on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge included: John Mauro, Suffolk County Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bob Santo, Commander, Post 1244 of the American Legion as well as numerous other post commanders and representatives from Disabled American Veterans and Patriot Guard Riders.

Labate, an Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel and an Iraq Veteran went on to say, “In this I swear to all who honored me today by standing by my side…..You never need worry about my absolute dedication to America’s Warriors past and present. These words are not meant to pander or posture but simply that is just the way it is.”